Human Rights League’ Chairman: “General Prosecutors refuse opening investigation on torture cases”
El Khabar, 31 july 2008
The Chairman of the Algerian league for the Defense of Human Rights, LADH, Mr. Mustapha Bouchachi has criticized the infringement of the Ministry of Justice, the decisions promulgated by the State Council, obliging it to reintegrate dismissed Judges.
He further accused some General Prosecutors of not opening investigations about lawsuits lodged by some citizens, including dealing with torture acts at Police stations and penitentiaries. In this context, the same speaker added that 2008 first half is worse than last years’ same period, in terms of human rights respect. Mr. Bouchachi has been accompanied by the Honorary Chairman of the league, Mr. Ali Yahia Abdenour. He approached the issue of the torture acts taking place at the Police stations, adding that the league has received during the last months, tens of complaints. Mr. Bouchachi has accused some General Prosecutors of not conducting investigations to disclose the facts related to these cases, adding that the victims have reported the acts they have been subject to. In this regard, the same speaker added that no General Prosecutor has already opened an investigation about the aforementioned cases, though Algeria has signed the Anti-torture convention. “The incumbent regime has indicated repeatedly that the torture acts are isolated; but we are quiet sure that it is a deliberate torture policy as the penal code has been amended several times. Unfortunately, it does not protect the citizens from torture,” concluded Mr. Bouchachi.
31-07-2008 By A.K/ Translation Section
